K-9 Control

Just because you feed him the same thing every day doesn't mean your dog is a simple creature. You might not understand Spot's squirrel obsession, but animal behaviorist Nicholas Dodman and Patricia McConnell, author of The Other End of the Leash, have help for your pup's common dog behavior problems.

BARKING INCESSANTLY

Why: Fear, discomfort, or overstimulation

Stop it! Reward the silence, don't punish the noise. Start with a controlled situation. Ring the doorbell. When he barks, say, "Enough," in a low, quiet voice and immediately put a treat in front of his nose. Lure him 5 to 6 feet away from the stimulus, saying, "Good dog," and give him the reward when he's quiet. To change your dog's behavior, practice a few times a day, 5 or 6 days a week.

CHEWING FURNITURE

Why: Puppies chew because they are teething and to learn about their environment; older dogs because of boredom. Some dogs just like how it feels.

Stop it! Spray anything off-limits with bitter apple--incredibly not tasty. Fill a chew toy with peanut butter or spray cheese. Restrict the toy to one room; let him have it when you leave, and take it away when you're back. For a bored older dog, feed him with a food dispenser, like a Buster Cube. As he plays with it, food comes out, engaging him for a while.

BITING STRANGERS

Why: Fear, usually

Stop it! Fido needs professional help. His actions could be behavioral. Or they might be the sign of a medical condition. (If a dog hurts someone, a court can order him to be put to sleep.) Dodman suggests talking to your vet about medication, such as Prozac, that may make him calmer.

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